Help us plan for a natural gas-free Voorschoten by 2050

The May 27 issue of the *Voorschotense Krant* includes a special supplement from the municipality of Voorschoten. The municipality is currently developing a heating strategy. It would like as many residents as possible to contribute their ideas and is encouraging them to fill out a questionnaire on this topic. There will also be an online meeting on July 7 to discuss the matter with as many residents as possible.

Every municipality must have this plan ready by the end of this year: the heating transition plan. In the Netherlands, it has been agreed that we will no longer use natural gas by 2050. That means we’ll need to have switched to other energy sources by then for heating our homes, cooking, and taking showers. So that’s a major change. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to happen overnight, but to be ready in time, municipalities need to start making plans now. 

This vision will outline, in broad terms, what the most logical choice would be for each neighborhood to switch to a different energy source and the timeframe within which a neighborhood could make that switch. They will also assess, on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, whether an interim solution is a good idea—such as home insulation, energy conservation, or switching to a hybrid heat pump, which uses significantly less natural gas. A general vision extending through 2050 is now being developed. Subsequently, in close collaboration with residents, more detailed neighborhood implementation plans will be developed for each neighborhood over the coming years. 

Together with residents

Erika Spil, Councilor for Sustainability: “The city wants to develop this vision together with its residents. That’s why we’d like to know what matters to you, what your ideas are, and what your concerns are. We’ve created a survey, and we really hope everyone will fill it out—especially if you’re strongly opposed, don’t see the point in it at all, or can’t wait to make your home more sustainable. Every opinion is very welcome.” 

The newsletter explains how the municipality plans to move forward in the coming period; you can read more about possible solutions for sustainable heating and find out how you can start making your home more sustainable right now. Visitwww.voorschoten.nl/aardgasvrij for more information, including a page with frequently asked questions.